Description of the Procedure

You will be given IV fluids and antibiotics. Your foot will be washed with an antibacterial solution. The surgeon will make an incision into the skin around the area. The blood vessels will be tied off or sealed with an electrical current. This will prevent bleeding. The involved bones will be removed.

The ends of the remaining bone(s) will be smoothed. The remaining skin and muscle will be pulled over the open area. It will be closed with stitches. A sterile dressing will then be placed over the incision.

If there is an active infection, tubes may be left in place to allow fluids to drain. In some cases, the skin will not be closed but will instead be packed with a moist dressing.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be taken to a recovery room. There, you will be monitored for any negative effects from the surgery or anesthesia.
You will be given pain medication. You may also receive more antibiotics.

How Long Will It Take?

20-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 2-7 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Your foot will be kept elevated.

The remaining toes or foot will be wrapped with a bulky dressing. This will protect it from injury.

You will be encouraged to get up and begin walking as soon as the wound allows.

A physical therapist will likely assist you in walking at first.

At Home

You may have to restrict specific activities until you're healed. You may be advised to begin an exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation program. Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain or other conditions that need to be managed.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Chalky white or blackish appearance of foot, other toes, or leg

Decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in the rest of your foot, toes, or leg

Persistent nausea or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.